2 Answers

pdkenyon, possibly a dirty laser lens. Try any of the commercially available CD/DVD lens cleaners and see if that works. If not, you are having to think about replacing th Laser unit, or the complete drive.

I have two older cd players one is a Sony and one is an Onkyo. They both will not read or play the

cd's. The Sony is a multi-disc player with a slide out platform, the Onkyo has a 6 disc cartridge that gets loaded and then inserted into the deck. My uneducated guess is that the laser is out of alignment or just broken or dirty. Both units are at least 10 years old and my ultimate question is would it be wiser to just buy a new CD player as the prices has dropped a lot, or repair my older units? Any advice would be greatly appreciated , I will aso try giving you a phone call. I thank you in advance for your time and help,

If the disc still loads and spins OK (check orientation of label before inserting and after removal to see if it has moved) I suggest that you try cleaning the lens using IPA 90%+ and a Q-Tip as this will be the easier option to try first. (IPA = Isopropyl Alcohol - available at most pharmacies (drug stores, chemist shops, whatever they are known as where you are)- do not use 'rubbing' alcohol as it is not as effective, some are only 70% IPA and can have 'scents' added, also some are made from ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and are not IPA at all - read the label to be sure)

Search online for the service manual for your players. If you find them it will help in the dis-assembly to get to the lens. e.g. search for "Sony (insert model number) service manual" to hopefully get results that are free to get and download.

As regards to repair or replace, obviously that is your choice. It may come down to an economic decision or perhaps even a spare parts decision if the lens is faulty. Can I get a replacement part or not and if so how much will it cost? (part number should be in service manual)

From a feel good perspective, as long as the units are still OK and you can repair them why not? You will have the satisfaction of doing the repair yourself and you will not be contributing to the e-waste landfill problem.

Resources

Repairability

Stay in the loop

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronic
equipment—like smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. This is a once-in-a-generation
chance to protect local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that
keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.

Join the cause and tell your state representative to support Right to Repair. Tell them you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and accessible. Stand up for your right to repair!